It's interesting that this thread just died all of a sudden and my problem disappeared at the same time. I just don't think about it (or the painful memories) any more. Clearly the HO/Border Patrol link upgrade was more or less 100pct curative. Still a bit miffed at the posts blaming user error but hey-ho. In hindsight it would have been a good idea to carry an expired passport as an excuse to skip the e-gates but again, hey-ho. Porter out and thank you for a great thread.